Isotopenstratigraphie (δ18O, δ13C) und geochemische Charakteristika (RFA, RDA) von Ober-Tithon bis Unter-Kreide Tiefwassersedimenten als Hilfsmittel für die Prospektion neuer Zementrohstoff-Lagerstätten (Nördliche Kalkalpen, Salzburg)

Translated title of the contribution: Isotope stratigraphy (δ18O, δ13C) and geochemical characteristics (XRF, XRD) of Late Tithonian to Early Cretaceous deeper-water sedimentary rocks as a tool to prospect raw material for the cement-production (Northern Calcareous Alps, Salzburg)

Gerald Maier

Research output: ThesisMaster's Thesis

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Abstract

The first δ13C- and δ18O-curves from the Jurassic/Cretaceous-boundary to the Hauterivian in the Northern Calcareous Alps were created by examination of Upper Tithonian to Hauterivian deep-water sediments (Oberalm, Schrambach and Roßfeld Formation). The samples derived from a virtually complete profile, situated in the Gutratberg quarry (St. Leonhard/Salzburg), as well as from sections of a comparable stratigraphy, situated in the Weitenau and Roßfeld areas (both Salzburg). In combination with lithological and chemical analyses (XRF, XRD), using the already existing detailed biostratigraphy, the new data give a better insight to the geodynamic evolution of the Northern Calcareous Alps in from Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous times, possible links to paleoclimatological triggers and sea-level changes. The Gutratberg profile provides high resolution δ18O/16O- and δ13C/12C-curves in the uppermost Upper Tithonian, Berriasian and Lower Valanginian. The data can be correlated with δ13C/12C-curves from the Southern Alps and document environmental changes in the Tethys-region in the uppermost Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous: From the Jurassic/Cretaceous-boundary onwards an increasing input of siliciclastics can be observed resulting in a decreasing content of calcite and organic matter. The climatic change in the uppermost Lower Berriasian intensifies (hydrological-) metabolic-cycles (higher CO2-levels lead to higher temperatures which result in increased humidity and erosion rates), triggers quick rising sea-levels and ends in the drowning of the Plassen Carbonate Platform at the Lower/Middle Berriasian boundary in combination with increasing subsidence. The deposition of the Gutratberg Member is interpreted as the basinal counterpart of the drowning sequence of the Plassen Carbonate Platform. The connection between increasing δ13C/12C-levels and growth-crisis of carbonate platforms in the Southern Alps can also be asserted for the Northern Calcareous Alps. The deposition of the lowest Schrambach Formation follows upsection the Gutratberg Member. Changes in lithology were triggered by short-term sea-level fluctuations, revealed by the δ13C/12C- and δ18O/16O-curves and not by tectonics. Lithology, isotope and sequence stratigraphy create a coherent overall picture of this part of the succession. The abrupt change in lithology at the lowest Valanginian (Schrambach/Roßfeld Formation-boundary) can be correlated with a drop in temperature at the Upper Berriasian/Lower Valanginian-boundary – clearly visible in the δ18O/16O-data. Furthermore, the profiles in the Gutratberg quarry, the Weitenau and the Roßfeld areas can be correlated by lithological and chemical analyses in spite of the different facies/palaeobasinal position. The comparison of the δ18O/16O- and δ13C/12C-curves allow a correlation of the Weitenau- and Roßfeld-successions with the Gutratberg profile. A palaeogeographic reconstruction of the three different successions was possible including a correlation of the successions: The Gutratberg profile was deposited distally in the basin. Weitenau took over an intermediate position and Roßfeld was deposited proximally. In addition, statements about the suitability of the study areas Weitenau and Roßfeld for the production of cement raw material can be made: Roßfeld, in the area of Abtswald, was the most suitable location for a successor site of the Gutratberg quarry in the entire study area. Roßfeld was preferable because of the good infrastructure, the short transportation distance and the good environmental- and riparian-protection. The eastern Weitenau is less suitable. Lacking traffic links and high transportation distances affect adversely. Regarding geology and material properties, both areas would have been suitable.
Translated title of the contributionIsotope stratigraphy (δ18O, δ13C) and geochemical characteristics (XRF, XRD) of Late Tithonian to Early Cretaceous deeper-water sedimentary rocks as a tool to prospect raw material for the cement-production (Northern Calcareous Alps, Salzburg)
Original languageGerman
QualificationDipl.-Ing.
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Gawlick, Hans-Jürgen, Supervisor (internal)
Award date27 Jun 2014
Publication statusPublished - 2014

Bibliographical note

embargoed until 23-05-2019

Keywords

  • Oberalm Formation
  • Schrambach Formation
  • Roßfeld Formation
  • δ13C
  • δ18O
  • isotopy
  • Jurassic/Cretaceous-boundary
  • Northern Calcareous Alps
  • paleoclimatology
  • geodynamic evolution

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